Cels, Marc

Describes several aspects of the lives of medieval monks in western Europe, including daily prayers, bookmaking, taking care of the monastery, and their clothing, meals, and hygiene, and also discusses orders, the building of a monastery, monks and nuns in other parts of the world, and famous monks and nuns.

Provides a brief overview of the Middle Ages, examines the characteristics of the architecture, sculpture, stained-glass windows, paintings, mosaics, pottery, metalwork, weavings, decorated books, literature, and music produced during the period, and includes photographs and descriptions of representative works.

Describes several aspects of everyday life on a medieval manor, covering such topics as peasants, tradespeople, farming, women and children, the lord, the manor court, the church, and celebrations.